Being properly prepared with the right supplies for a music festival can make it exponentially smoother and more enjoyable, especially at intensive camping fests like Suwannee Hulaween. To help improve your festival season, I’ve drawn from years of personal experience and veterans of the scene’s wisdom to create the ultimate, comprehensive guide on must-have music festival apparatus. Below I’ve compiled the most cost-effective, practical, fully-featured products of dependable quality into the definitive list of music festival essential items, with links to recommended gear. Fill up your shopping cart and take your fest game to the top!
Hydration Pack/Backpack/Fanny Pack
The perfect festival pack balances form and function so you can carry everything you need for a full day comfortably. I’ve been using the Unigear tactical hydration pack for two years and absolutely swear by it, as I can cram tons of items into its two pockets in an organized fashion and only have to refill the 2.5 liter water bladder once or twice a day. Sojourner’s hydration packs offer stylish, more ergonomic designs, 2 liter water bladders and two pockets with decent space. If you prefer carrying a water bottle or want a bag that can fit things like a jacket or smaller poi in it, crossbody sling bags are cheaper and only use one strap to more closely hug your body. Small, clear backpacks are en vogue currently, while the geometric reflective backpacks look super cool. Holographic fanny packs will fashionably hold a phone, sunglasses, some makeup and small stuff.
- Unigear Tactical Hydration Pack Backpack 900D with 2.5L Water Bladder
- SHARKMOUTH Tactical MOLLE Hydration Pack Backpack 900D with 2L Water Bladder (Black)
- Sojourner Rave Hydration Pack Backpack with 2L Water Bladder (Holographic – Blue)
- OutdoorMaster Sling Bag – Crossbody Backpack for Women & Men (Black)
- MOSISO Sling Backpack, Multipurpose Crossbody Shoulder Bag (Flamingo)
- Stadium Approved Clear Mini Backpack Heavy Duty, Transparent for Concerts
- Geometric Luminous Backpack Holographic Reflective Bag Lumikay Bag Irridescent Rucksack Rainbow NO.2
- Mily Hologram Laser Fanny Pack Perfect for Raves and Festivals (Silver)
- Shiny Neon Fanny Bag for Women Rave Festival Hologram Travel Waist Pack (Silver)
Eyes and Ears
Chromadepth 3D glasses are absolute game changers for concerts and festivals. They layer colors in the order of the rainbow to create a powerful depth enhancement of lasers, lights, art and LED screen visuals that frequently produce jaw-dropping results. Befriend those around you in the crowd by sharing them and watch the priceless reactions. The effect is subtle enough that you can still see things clearly and walk around while wearing them (unlike diffraction and kaleidoscope glasses), yet dynamic enough to upgrade your vibes in a wonderfully trippy way. Keep the view crisp and free from smudges and sweat with a microfiber cleaning cloth. Also get a stylish pair of sunglasses for sunny afternoons and stay clear-eyed at particularly dusty and desert festivals with eye drops.
Perhaps the most important item for concerts and festivals across the board is a great pair of ear plugs. Considering how loud it gets – especially as you get closer to the blasting speakers – hearing protection is absolutely necessary to prevent lasting damage. With a two-flange design, EarPeace plugs fit in your ears extra comfortably and provide pristine, high fidelity noise cancellation without sacrificing sound clarity. These effectively tune down surrounding crowd chatter, though you can still listen to people talking to you. They come with a sleek metal carrier, a spare plug in case you lose one, and two other sets of switchable filters for louder sound/less protection or maximum noise blocking. HearSafe plugs are also solid quality, sporting a stronger level of noise reduction without distorting or muffling sound, and an included secondary pair with an ultra-high reduction level so you can adjust for deafening loudness on the fly. The high-frequency noise attenuation is particularly suitable for musicians, crew members and rail riders.
- Chromadepth Pro 3D Glasses
- Microfiber Cleaning Cloth for Lens, Glasses, Screens – Lint-Free Non-Abrasive (6 Pack)
- X-Loop Men’s Frosted Clear Frame Colorful Wrap Around Running Sports Sunglasses (Orange)
- Livhò Sunglasses for Women, Cat Eye Mirrored Flat Lenses Metal Frame UV400 (Golden Orange Red)
- Clear Eyes | Cooling Comfort Itchy Eye Relief Drops | 0.5 fl oz.
- EarPeace HD Concert Ear Plugs – High Fidelity Hearing Protection for Music Festivals, DJs & Musicians (Regular, Red Case)
- LiveMus!c HearSafe Ear Plugs with Silicone Triple Flange and Noise-Cancelling – Large
General Hygiene, Haircare and Toiletries
Sometimes hygiene at a festival includes a real shower, sometimes it doesn’t. But the Shower Toga makes it a breeze to change out of your clothes and take a makeshift shower anywhere. And if you want warm water to rinse off with, you’ll need a solar shower bag. Pop up showers are nice to have, although they aren’t cheap, take up space at camp and require set-up and break-down. Baby wipes are a must for general cleanliness and hygiene. You can wash your hair without showering using dry shampoo. Gold Bond prevents chafing and relieves itching in sweaty areas. Everyone hates smelling B.O. in a crowd so don’t forget to wear deodorant, and Febreze can help dispel the scent of your dirty clothes and stinky shoes back at camp. You’re bound to get some clogged pores with so much sweating each day, so clean your face with cleansing cloths/acne treatment pads.
- Shower Toga – Race, Rinse, Repeat – The World’s First Way to Change and Shower in Public with Ease and Privacy
- CARTMAN Portable Solar Camping Shower 5 Gallons
- WolfWise Two Room Pop Up Shower Privacy Tent Dressing Room Sun Shelter for Outdoor Camping
- Parent’s Choice Baby Wipes, Fragrance Free, 56 Count, 3 Pack
- A Couple Rolls of Toilet Paper
- Pantheon Toiletry Organizer Wash Bag for Bathroom Shower
- Batiste Dry Shampoo, Floral Fragrance, 6.73 oz.
- OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Shampoo, 3 oz.
- Got 2b Ultra Glued Invincible Hair Styling Gel, 1.25 Ounce (2 Pack)
- Hair Ties, Hair Clips and Bobby Pins
- Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum for Frizzy, Dry, Messy Hair, 5.1 oz.
- Conair Pro Hair Brush with Nylon Bristles, Oval Cushion
- Bar of Soap
- Deodorant
- Gold Bond No Mess Spray Powder, Classic Scent with Menthol, Moisture Absorbing, Itch Relieving and Cooling Action 7 oz.
- Gold Bond Cornstarch Plus Baby Powder, 4 oz.
- Febreze ONE Fabric and Air Freshener Mist, Orchid Scent (10.1 oz)
- PUZESHUN Professional Manicure Pedicure Kit – Nail Clippers, Tweezers, Grooming Tools 10pcs Stainless Steel with Leather Case
- Q-tips Swabs Travel Pack, 30 Count
- Toothbrush and Travel Case
- Toothpaste Travel Size
- Olay Daily Facials, Daily Hydrating Clean & 5-in-1 Cleansing Power of a Makeup Remover, Scrub, Toner, Mask & Cleanser – 66 Dry Cloths
- Neutrogena Rapid Clear Maximum Strength Acne Treatment Pads with Maximum-Strength Salicylic Acid Acne Medicine, 60 Count
Makeup
For all the time that goes into festival makeup routines, you’ll want a decent vanity mirror that stands on its own. Stick-on face jewels imbue any festival look with glamour and glistening magic, while glitter eyeliner/eyeshadow add a shimmering, sparkling frame around the window to your soul – just remember the glitter primer first so it stays on. You’ll want quality, waterproof mascara for it to endure a full day of sweaty dancing and overflowing emotion. A tinted moisturizer maintains radiance in your skin and setting spray keeps makeup in place till the end of the night.
- DUcare Portable Folding Vanity Mirror with Stand, Large
- 10 Sets Mermaid Face Gems – Rhinestone Stick-On Jewels (Mermaid Tale)
- NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- NYX Professional Makeup Setting Spray Matte Finish/Long Lasting, Midnight 2.03 oz.
- NYX Professional Makeup Glitter Primer, 0.33 Fluid oz.
- 10 Colors Liquid Glitter Eyeliner Metallic Shimmer Waterproof For Face and Lips
- The Original Mermaid Glitter Eyeshadow Palette – (32 Colors) – 21 Pressed Glitters, 6 Shimmery & 5 Matte Shades – Highly Pigmented – Waterproof & Long-Lasting
- Natural 4D Silk Fiber Lash Mascara, Lengthening and Thick, Long Lasting, Waterproof, All Day Exquisitely Lush, Full, Long, Thick, Smudge-Proof Eyelashes
Sun Protection
Sunburn suffering is no fun at a festival, and may even throw off your game like getting too messed up can. Spray on high-SPF sunscreen early on to protect yourself, and reapply to susceptible areas later from a travel bottle if spending hours under the direct sun. Neutrogena’s sunscreen avoids acne consequences on sensitive skin, while Solarcaine efficiently soothes and relieves the pain when burns do occur. Prevent chapped lips with lip balm or chapstick. And whether it becomes part of your outfit the whole day or just while lounging around late morning to mid-afternoon under the blazing sun – wear a wide-brim to shade your head and shoulders, like a bucket hat, boonie cap, fashionable fedora or floppy felt hat.
- Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Spray, New Formula, SPF 100, 6 oz.
- Banana Boat Sunscreen Sport Spray, SPF 50+, TSA Approved Travel Size 1.8 oz.
- Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin, Broad Spectrum SPF 55, Oil-Free and Fragrance-Free, 3 fl. oz.
- Solarcaine Cool Aloe Burn Relief Gel with Lidocaine and Aloe Vera, Doctor Tested, Non-irritating, #1 Sunburn Relief Brand, 8 oz. Gel
- Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 (Grapefruit & Ginger)
- ChapStick Skin Protectant Classic Strawberry, 0.15 oz.
- KBETHOS Galaxy Bucket Hat Orignal Summer Boonie Cap
- Outdoor Summer Boonie Hat for Camping, Floppy Sun Cap for Men or Women
- Women’s Wide Brim Straw Panama Hat Fedora Summer Beach Sun Hat UPF50
- Sedancasesa Wide Brimmed 100% Wool Felt Floppy Women’s Hat Vintage
Bandanas
These multifunction bandana/headband/mask variety packs give you stylish accessories to keep your hair back, dust out of your mouth and sweat out of your eyes. Run one under a cold stream at a water filling station and put it on for some relief from the heat. But if you drench an actual cooling bandana in water and drop it in your iced cooler in the morning, then tie it around your head when entering the fest under the blazing sun of the afternoon, it can remain cold and lower your body temperature for up to several hours.
- WharFlag Sports Headband Bandana – Outdoors Multifunctional Breathable Headwear/Mask/Neckerchief for Women, Men (6 Pack Variety Cool Designs)
- Sojourner Seamless Bandanas Face Mask Headband Scarf Headwrap Neckwarmer & More – 12-in-1 Multifunctional for Outdoors, Raves (9 Pack, Festival 4)
- Cooling Bandana, Red Western, Evaporative Polymer Crystals For Cooling Relief, Tie For Adjustable Fit, Ergodyne Chill ITS 6700
Folding Hand Fans
When you’re overheating in the middle of a crowd, fans will save your life. Folding hand fans – especially the large ones – will also make you friends by generating cool air for the people around you. Apply some essential oils to your fan and you’ll be doubly popular as the pleasant scents waft about. The larger size fans come in all sorts of wacky designs, so when held high, they can serve as an identifier for groups without a totem. However, the smaller hand fans fit in backpacks, fanny packs and pockets much easier, and still remain one of the most clutch items to have at a festival or show. Get a pack of them to share with friends (they’re always massively grateful) and to replace those that eventually break.
- Amajiji Large Galaxy Folding Fan, Nylon-Cloth Dance Hand Fan for Women/Men, 13″ L Closed, 25″ W Open (AM1)
- OMyTea Large Rave Folding Hand Fan for Men/Women – Chinese/Japanese Kung Fu Tai Chi Handheld Fan with Fabric Case (Provence)
- INNOLIFE Elegant Colorful Embroidered Flower Peacock Pattern Sequin Fabric Folding Hand Fan (Set of 10 Mixed Colors) and 8 Carrying Pouches, 9″ L x 17″ W
- Metable Silk Folding Handheld Fan Colorful Sequins Peacock Pattern (2 Pack)
- Top 6 Aromatherapy Oils 100% Pure Basic Essential Oils Gift Set (10ml Each)
Battery-Powered Fans
Electric fans will keep you cool without tiring your wrist – especially the wearable, dual-headed neck-fan, which fully adjusts while also providing colorful illumination. Bear in mind battery length, size and functionality for your best electric fan option. The COMLIFE clip-on, fully-rotatable fan is worth the extra cost as you can attach it to your hydration pack, totem and somewhere in your tent to oscillate breeze in your face during sweaty sets and sticky nights for up to 40 hours on one charge. The handheld misting fan offers an extra level of refreshing temperature control against the humidity. The Aibocn fan can serve as an emergency phone charger if you moderate your use, while the classic O2COOL portable fan can constantly blow air in your face while at camp, powered by ultra long-lasting D batteries.
- Upgrade Hand Free Headphone Design Portable Fan – 360º Adjustable Double-Headed Neckband Fan – Internal Rainbow and White Light, Aroma Diffuser, 3 Speeds, 2000 mAh USB Rechargeable 4-10 Hour Battery Life
- COMLIFE F170 Clip-On Oscillating Fan, 360° Rotation, Aroma Diffuser, USB Rechargeable 4400mAh – Up To 40 Hours Battery Life
- Handheld Misting Mini Fan, 4000 mAh Battery Operated/USB Rechargeable, 4-15 Hours Battery Life
- OPOLAR Handheld 180° Folding Face Fan w/ 2 USB Rechargeable 2200mAh Batteries
- Jomilly Mini Handheld Fan, Dual Head Powerful Wind, Pocket Foldable Size, USB Rechargeable Lasts 2-5 Hours (Green)
- Aibocn Phone-Sized USB Rechargeable Fan – 3500mAh Battery Doubles as External Power Bank
- EasyAcc Portable Fan USB Rechargeable with Side Light, 2600mAh Battery 2-9 Hours
- O2COOL 5″ Portable Fan – 30-55 Hours on 2 D Batteries
- AmazonBasics D Cell Everyday Alkaline Batteries (12-Pack)
Stay Dry
Some people just get wet, while others dance in the rain – but that’s a lot easier to do when wearing a poncho. The Newbyinn disposable ponchos take up very little room in your bag, are thick enough to hold in enough warmth when the rain turns chilly, prevent unwanted tearing and won’t stick right on your body. For a reusable poncho, the lightweight, Hapshop raincoat sports snap buttons so you can open it up, it comes in different colors (the clear model still fully showcases your outfit underneath) and only requires a bit more space than a single-use poncho. Bring some Ziploc bags to safeguard your phone and other electronics in the rain. Water repellent spray can keep your shoes, tent and camp chairs drier from wet weather. And a ScorchedEarth microfiber towel packs in much smaller than a regular towel and dries far quicker.
- Newbyinn Disposable Rain Ponchos for Adults (5 Pack) | Emergency Drawstring Hood, Extra Thick, Waterproof 0.035mm PE Plastic Material
- Hapshop Portable Waterproof Raincoat, Reusable Rain Poncho (Clear White)
- Ziploc Sandwich Bags 90 count
- Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy Duty Water Repellant Spray, 10.5 oz.
- ScorchedEarth Microfiber Travel/Sports Towels – (30″ x 60″ & 12″ x 24″) (Royal Blue)
Athletic Compression Sleeves
This one’s a major festival hack: instead of carrying around a jacket, having to go back to camp and grab one, or just toughing it out if it gets cold at night, athletic compression sleeves will keep your arms warm while adding slick style to your look. When it’s still hot out, they can be scrunched down on your wrists or stored in your pack, where they take up hardly any space at all. They also optimize blood circulation to reduce muscle soreness and wick sweat from your skin, miraculously staying cool enough to wear in the heat. I recommend different styles for each arm; select multiple options from the variety of designs available to mix and match with all your outfits and costumes.
- B-Driven Sports Wizzard Compression Arm Sleeves 40+ Designs
- UPF50+ Sports Arm Sleeves for Men & Women 20+ Designs Athletic Compression (Pair)
- Bucwild Sports Compression Arm Sleeves Black Yellow Flame Adult Medium (Pair)
Footwear and Care
Sandals or flip flops are a must to avoid the grime of camp shower floors, and they also make running to the bathroom from your tent a much faster process. If a deluge turns the festival grounds into a swamp, hiking or rain boots allow you to traverse the mud bogs and easily enjoy the music despite the mess. But even in optimal weather, your dancing shoes are likely to get some scuffs and/or turn a few shades darker at any outdoor festival. A water, dirt and stain protection spray will keep them looking fresh in spite of the elements (when applied correctly). Painful blisters on your feet may materialize as the weekend progresses, but a roll of moleskin that can be cut into different shapes and sizes will help you push through and keep dancing till the end.
- LUFFYMOMO Bathroom Shower Sandals Womens Mens Anti-Slip Eva Slippers
- Athletic Works Women’s Thong Sandal
- Skechers Men’s Relment-Pelmo Hiking Boot
- Goodyear Men’s Teton Outdoor Hiker Work Boot
- Asgard Women’s Mid Calf Rain Boots Waterproof Garden Shoes
- Kiwi Select All Protector Spray (Large Can, 7.7 oz.)
- Dr. Scholl’s Moleskin Plus Padding Roll, 24″ x 4 5/8″ – All-Day Pain Relief and Protection from Shoe Friction
Important Basics
Always carry a pack of gum when festing – it can help you maintain through the dehydration and cottonmouth when your water is empty and you don’t want to re-up until the set has ended. A pack of bottled water is always a smart call so you don’t have to trudge to a refill station when you’re too worn out to move, but a couple 1-liter water bottles prove most useful for larger fill-ups and washing off soap and shampoo in lieu of an actual shower.
If you or a campmate sustain cuts/minor injuries, you’ll be glad to have a first aid kit on hand. Sure, you can use your phone flashlight to see at night, but a bright headlamp makes navigating the darkness a simpler, hands-free affair – a necessity if you have to set up a tent after the sun’s gone down. And if you don’t have any lights to wear at night with your festival outfits or adorn your campground, bring along a tube of glow sticks to add essential raver visibility.
- Dentyne Ice Sugar Free Gum (Arctic Chill 16 Piece Pack of 9)
- Outdoor Products 1 Liter Cyclone Water Bottle, Dress Blue
- Nestle Ozarka Natural Spring Water, Half Liter, 24 Count
- Rechargeable LED Headlamp with Red Light, Ultra Bright 500 Lumens, Lasts Up To 48 Hours, Waterproof, 135° Rotation
- Glow Sticks 8″ Bulk Party Favors (Tube of 100)
- Be Smart Get Prepared 100 Piece First Aid Kit – Clean, Treat & Protect Most Injuries
Power Sources
Your phone battery won’t last more than a day or two at a camping festival, and other electronics will need more juice as well. Instead of plugging into and running the car for hours just to recharge, with a high capacity external power bank you can refill the battery life of multiple items at once while hanging out or sleeping at your campsite. A 20,000 or greater mAh portable charger ought to last all weekend, while a mini-size, lightweight power bank can fit into even a fanny pack and avoid the hassle or cost of charging stations/lockers during dying-phone emergencies. I also use external battery blocks both big and small for the USB-powered LED strips on my light-up festival outfits and totem.
USB charging cords lose effectiveness over time, so if yours aren’t fast-charge reliable, get a few durable new ones for efficient battery recovery. When road tripping with several people to a festival, a DC to AC car power inverter allows everyone to use and charge their devices simultaneously, including the friend who has a work or school report they have to finish on their laptop during the drive. If an AC power outlet is needed for some reason during the fest, like plugging in your air mattress to quickly inflate or using a hot glue gun for costuming, you can do so from your car. And in case one of you accidentally drains the car battery (or someone wanders into your camp Monday in that situation), having a pair of jumper cables compatible with all sizes of cars ensures a quick fix to still get home in time.
- Portable Phone Charger 24800mAh Power Bank Dual Ports External Battery Pack with LCD Display – Compatible for iPhone, Android, Tablets and More
- Aibocn Mini Power Bank 8000mAh (Fast Charging 2.1A Output) for iPhone, Android, Tablets and More (White)
- Rankie Micro USB Cable High Speed Data and Charging, Nylon Braided, 3-Pack 3 ft
- BESTEK 300W Power DC 12V to 110V AC Inverter – Car Adapter 4.8A 4 Smart USB Ports, 2 AC Ports
- Energizer 4-Gauge Jumper Battery Cables 16 ft Booster Jump Start UL Listed – Ideal for Small/Midsize/Large Cars, SUVS, Vans and Trucks
Rooftop Cargo
When driving to camping festivals and – despite masterful Tetris packing skills – the car can’t fit everyone plus everything, a cargo bag for the roof provides the extra space needed for all your stuff. The RoofBag straps fit any car, whether it has a roof rack or not. And unlike hardtop cargo cases, it’s easily storable and affordable, yet still waterproof. Also get a protective mat to keep the bag from sliding around and scratching the roof.
- RoofBag Waterproof Car Rooftop Storage Bag with Heavy Duty Straps (Black)
- Roof Cargo Bag Protective Mat with Extra Padding and Grip
Very Helpful Tools
At non-car camping festivals, hauling all your gear to the campsite can be more taxing than carrying The One Ring into the fires of Mount Doom. But a good collapsible wagon turns that trek into smooth sailing. Some things at camp are bound to rip, come undone or need to be rigged together, and duct tape will solve this problem. When something more delicate breaks – often thinner plastic – you’ll have a fighting chance of repairing it with superglue. For all sorts of other instances calling for a knife, screwdriver, wire cutter, bottle opener or pliers (like reattaching a tent zipper that’s come off the track) – a multitool can do it all.
The H+LUX Bluetooth locator can help you find your phone, campsite or even your group, depending on how you use it. The connected app can show you on a GPS map where the locator was when last connected to your phone, and its Bluetooth reconnects with your phone’s when within 165 feet. You can then sound the alarm from the app to find your way back to it – great for tracking down your tent when disoriented in the campgrounds at night, or pinpointing friends in a huge crowd. Pushing the button on the keychain-sized locator will ring your phone when in Bluetooth range, useful whether you misplaced your phone in your camping area or if it just flew out of your hand while dancing in the audience.
- Ozark Trail Folding Wagon with Telescoping Handle (Red)
- Duck Brand All-Purpose Duct Tape, 1.88 Inches by 45 Yards, Single Roll (Silver)
- Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue, 4-Grams
- Gorilla Super Glue Gel, 20 Gram, Clear
- Jakemy 15 in 1 Multitool Portable Folding Pocket Knife, Pliers, Screwdriver, Cutter, Stainless Steel Survival Tool
- H+LUX Bluetooth Smart Tracker with Anti-Lost Alarm, Replaceable Battery and App Control for Phone, Keys, Wallet, Backpack and Luggage (Black)
Camping Tent
Whatever a tent lists as its capacity, subtract at least two from that number to determine how many people would fit in there comfortably with their bags and beds. The SEMOO tent, nearly 8’x10’ with almost 6’ of standing room, makes for an ideal and inexpensive setup for a couple – or a single with a queen-sized air mattress plus plenty of gear. The 7’x’7 Ozark tent, at only $25, is the best option if starting out solo and on the cheap, or flying in and needing to buy a tent for just that weekend. The 16’x9’ CORE tent can house a group of four to six, while the giant Ozark base camp tent would suit a group of eight – or make for the dope party residence of a campsite. Lay a tarp beneath your tent (fold any protruding edges under also) to keep the tent floor dry. The stakes that come with tents get bent and lost easily, so don’t forget some strong spares and a soft mallet to pound them into the ground.
- SEMOO Family Dome Tent for Camping, Water Resistant 3-Season, 71″ Center Height
- Ozark Trail 3-Person Camping Dome Tent, 7′ x 7′
- CORE 9 Person Extended Dome Tent – 16′ x 9′
- Ozark Trail 12-Person Base Camp Tent with Light
- Heavy-Duty Metal Tent Pegs Stake Set (10-Pack)
- TEKTON 30812 Double-Faced Soft Mallet, 35 mm
- Coleman Rubber Mallet with Tent Peg Remover
- Yardworks 8′ x 10′ Blue Standard-Duty Tarp
Air Mattress or Cot
If tent space is limited or you’re flying to a festival, a low-to-the-ground, twin or queen size air mattress is cheap and can be picked up from Walmart on the way to the fest. Otherwise, the 22″ Intex or 18″ Veken elevated queen air mattresses are the most affordable, comfortable and reliable options, and feel luxurious in comparison. Don’t forget the air pump and C batteries to power it. For hotter festivals like Bonnaroo, you’ll only need a fitted sheet over it and a top sheet to get under. As air mattresses often spring a leak eventually, having a repair patch kit in your inventory would also be wise. Make sure to get the 2- or 3-year protection plan when purchasing an air mattress so you can get it replaced for free if/when an irreparable leak occurs.
If you don’t want to worry about any of that, you’ve got enough room in your car for the folded frame and you don’t mind a slimmer, one-person width, then the Coleman ComfortSmart Cot is a sturdy, modestly priced alternative for a satisfying sleeper. The 80-inch length will particularly appeal to tall campers, and being able to store items under the cot for better tent organization is an added bonus.
- Coleman ComfortSmart Folding Camping Cot with Mattress Sleeping Pad
- Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Dura-Beam Airbed with Internal Electric Pump, Bed Height 22″, Queen
- Veken Flocked Top Elevated Inflatable Air Mattress with Built-in Pump, 18″ Queen
- Bare Home Fitted Deep Pocket Bottom Sheet, 1800 Ultra-Soft Microfiber, Hypoallergenic (Queen, Grey)
- Allo Flat Bed Sheet, 1500 Thread Count Ultra Soft Breathable Microfiber, Hypoallergenic (Queen, Grey)
- Intex Quick-Fill Battery (6 C-cell) Air Pump
- AmazonBasics C Cell Everyday Alkaline Batteries (12-Pack)
- Intex 8.75″ Classic Downy Inflatable Airbed Mattress, Twin
- Intex 8.75″ Prestige Downy Airbed Kit with Handheld Battery Pump, Queen
- Tear-Aid Fabric Repair Kit, Gold Box Type A
Sleeping Bag vs. Blankets
I prefer the breathability, cozy comfort and easier temperature regulation of sheets and blankets while camping at a festival over using a sleeping bag. When it does get cold, I wrap up in a fuzzy throw blanket that reminds me of sleeping in my own bed. If it gets too hot, I just uncover my feet or go to only the top sheet. But if you prefer to slumber traditional camping style, the Active Era lightweight sleeping bag is ideal for 50°F-70°F and the side can be unzipped for more ventilation. The Ohuhu double bag works great for couples or can be unzipped into two single bags and remains warm even down to 32°F, fitting for those spring desert festivals and cool fall fests.
- Flannel Throw Blanket Lightweight Plush Microfiber Fleece – 50″ x 60″ (Navy)
- Exclusivo Mezcla Large Flannel Velvet Plush Throw Blanket – 50″ x 70″ (Grey)
- Better Homes & Gardens Fluffy Blanket – Queen 90″ x 90″ (Grey)
- Active Era Lightweight Single Sleeping Bag – Warm and Water Resistant (Blue)
- Ohuhu Double Sleeping Bag with 2 Camping Pillows, Waterproof, Lightweight (Black)
Sleep Easy
One’s quantity of sleep often faces the chopping block in the sacrifices demanded by the Festy Gods, but you can compensate with more quality rest – and that rejuvenating energy is more than worth the cost. When you can’t or don’t want to bring your nice pillow from home to a camping festival, invest in a memory foam Travel Pillow or MyPillow. Both compact to carry-on luggage size and provide comfort on long flights and road trips. The shredded memory foam of the Travel Pillow quickly expands and molds to whatever cozy shape desired when unfolded, while the MyPillow unrolls and form fits for excellent neck support and easy rest.
Typical pillowcases can get gross and sweaty in festival humidity and actually irritate your skin. But the BedSure (faux) satin pillowcases don’t fall victim to that environmental condition and feel so much softer on your face, with no agitation. One of the rudest awakenings of festivals comes from the bright sun shining in way too early, especially if you were up most of the night. Wear a sleep mask to block out the light and put in your earplugs to tune out disruptive noise. And if stimulants are still racing through the wires of your brain, a sleep aid tablet ought to do the trick.
- Compact Travel Pillow Made with Shredded Memory Foam and Super Soft Fleece Fabric for Ultimate Comfort – Patented Design Rolls Up Small
- MyPillow Travel Roll N Go Pillow (Peacock Design)
- Bedsure Satin Pillowcases Soft On Face and Hair – Queen 20″ x 30″ (2-Pack Set, Silver)
- Fitglam Natural Silk Sleep Mask, Eye Cover with Adjustable Strap for Men, Women
- Unimi Sleep Mask for Men Women, Comfort and Lightweight 3D Eye Cover
- Basic Care Sleep Aid, Doxylamine Succinate Tablets, 25 mg, 96 Count
Canopy
A canopy is the bedrock to your group’s campground, providing crucial cover from the sun and rain – but those under $100 are notorious for breaking in inclement weather. Spend more now for a sturdy one that will last through multiple festival seasons. At car camping festivals, 10′ x 10′ fits the space allowance just right. Also get foam noodles to arch between the metal joints and cover of at least two if not all four corners of the canopy, which keeps water from pooling up there and weighing it down. During the kind of intense storms that trash canopies, this method helps prevent damage.
- ABCCANOPY Pop up Canopy Tent Commercial Instant Shelter with Wheeled Carry Bag, 10′ x 10′ (White)
- Eurmax 10’x10′ Pop Up Canopy Tent Commercial Shelter with Heavy Duty Roller Bag, Bonus 4 Sandbag Weights for Canopy (White)
- 10 x 10 Instant 100 sq. ft. Cooling Space Gazebo with Realtree Xtra
- Fix Find 5 Pack of Flexible Foam Swim/Float/Pool Noodles – 48 inch (Blue)
Tapestries and Tarps for Further Shade
Keep your area shaded and make it feel like a cozy home for your group with tapestries serving as vibrant walls for the canopy. This guide explains the best method for efficiently hanging tapestries without damaging them, using suspender clips and paracord (bring scissors to cut paracord into suitable lengths). Binder clips also work in a pinch. Such decoration makes your campsite recognizable in the sea of camps lined one after another. You can also hang larger tarps from the canopy using their grommets and zip ties, angling outward over your tent if it’s close and short enough, to keep it shaded and dry. Or connect a tarp from one canopy to another, serving as a shade ceiling for the area – ONLY if there’s no chance of rain in the forecast, otherwise it will pool in the middle and likely collapse and/or damage the canopies.
- Ihome888 Space Star Moon Tapestry, Polyester Wall Hanging Decor, 80″ x 60″
- Trippy Tapestry Psychedelic Surreal Abstract Astral Art Wall Decor 47″ x 31.5″ (002)
- Colorful Tapestry Psychedelic Tongue Bohemian Hippie Wall Decor 78.7″ x 59.1″
- Tenn Well 30PCS Pacifier Suspender Clips, 1″ Metal Suspender Clips with Nubs
- PARACORD PLANET 550 Assorted Colors of Paracord in 50 and 100 Foot Lengths
- Westcott Titanium Bonded Scissors, 7 in.
- DSTELIN Binder Clips Paper Clamps 100 Count (Black) 6 Sizes in One Pack
- Yardworks Blue Standard-Duty Tarps – 2 Pack (6′ x 8′ and 10′ x 10′)
- Tarvol Nylon Zip Ties (Pack of 100) 8 Inch with Self Locking Cable Ties (White)
Camp Seating
Before and after the fest each day, you’ll want to lounge about with your crew. The inflatable sectional sofa brings the ultimate vibes of a basement party hang-out to a campsite in full force, while the inflatable pull-out sofa/mattress is excellent for small groups to chill on and someone to comfortably nap or pass out on later. The ORSEN air lounger can be taken anywhere and set up in a minute, perfect for relaxing in the venue such as during jam-band sets.
For a cheap seat, the mesh of the Ozark Trail chair is worth springing for over the most basic Walmart camping chair. The Caravan Sports zero gravity chair proves its value as you consistently lay back and melt into it at your laziest and most exhausted moments. A cup holder/tray that attaches to the side is a clutch add-on when reclined and floating on air in the chair. And of course, a hammock is a must-have for open-area camping festivals like Hulaween.
- ORSEN Inflatable Lounger Portable Hammock Air Sofa and Camping Chair with Water Proof & Anti-Air Leaking Design
- Intex Inflatable Corner Sectional Sofa with Cupholders
- Intex Inflatable 2-In-1 Pull-Out Sofa and Queen Air Mattress Futon, Gray
- Ozark Trail Oversize Mesh Chair (Black/Platinum)
- Caravan Sports Infinity Zero Gravity Chair (Burgundy)
- CENTSTAR Universal Oval Zero Gravity Chair Cup Holder with Mobile Device Slot and Snack Tray
- HONEST OUTFITTERS Single Camping Hammock with Basic Hammock Tree Straps, 55″ x 108″ (Red/Charcoal)
Other Camp Necessities
Add colorful mood lighting under your canopy with LED rope lights. Luci inflatable solar lanterns emit plenty of light for your canopy or tent, with the white light lasting up to 24 hours on a 7-hour charge, and the color lights running up to 7 hours on one charge. For a portable speaker at camp, the JBL Clip 2 will blast your music with some satisfying oomph and has an attached aux cord so you don’t have to waste battery on Bluetooth connection.
Instead of hanging trash bags from your canopy, using the Coghlan’s pop-up trash can makes throwing trash into it and disposing of the bag much easier. Insect repellent with picaridin is safe on your gear so spray some on the front of your tent to deter pesky bugs. Lay interlocking foam puzzle tiles under your canopy and outside your tent door so you can take off your shoes/not have to put them on and avoid dirty or muddy messes when just hanging at your campsite. And don’t forget a warm hoodie and pajama pants for cool temperatures at night’s end.
- GREEMPIRE String Lights Outdoor, 120 LED 46 ft Waterproof Dimmable/Timer Battery Powered Decorative Fairy Lights with Remote (Multi-Color)
- Bebrant LED Rope Lights Battery Operated – 40 ft 120 LEDs 8 Modes Outdoor Waterproof Fairy Lights Dimmable/Timer with Remote (Multi-Color)
- AmazonBasics AA Performance Alkaline Batteries
- MPOWERD Luci Outdoor 2.0 – Inflatable Solar Light, Clear Finish, Adjustable Strap
- MPOWERD Luci Color – Multi Color Inflatable Solar Light, Sparkle Finish
- JBL Clip 2 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker with Integrated Aux Cord (Blue)
- Great Value Multi-Purpose Drawstring Trash Bags, 30 Gallon, 28 Count
- Coghlan’s Pop-Up Trash Can, 19 x 24 inches
- Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin, Pump Spray, 3 oz.
- BalanceFrom Puzzle Exercise Mat EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles, 24 sq. ft. (Black)
- A warm hoodie
- Pajama pants
Cooking and Storing Food/Drinks
Cooking at camp isn’t overly costly nor a huge hassle, but you will need butane, a frying pan, a spatula and/or tongs in addition to the stove. You can make way tastier and HOT foods, although you’ll need to refill ice in the cooler every day or so to keep them from spoiling. Igloo roller coolers are the most convenient and spacious option for the price, but if one or two of those isn’t enough, just get a foam cooler for the rest. Any group needs a folding table for food preparation and beer pong. The mesh storage bag on the EBTOOLS table allows simplified organization for accompanying meal items like paper plates, paper towels, plastic utensils, aluminum foil and solo cups. Collapsible storage containers are really handy too.
- Camplux Portable Outdoor Camping Butane Gas Stove 8000BTU with Carrying Case
- Gasone Butane Fuel Canister (4 pack)
- Odoland Camping Frying Pan w/ Folding Handle, 9.5” Portable Cookware
- Crisco Professional Oil Spray, Cooking Pro, 12 oz.
- Palm Dish Scrubber with Soap Dispenser for Pots, Pans, Dishes
- Norpro Nylon Nonstick 13-Inch Slotted Spatula
- Winco Utility Tong with Rubber Tip and Locking Clip, 9-Inch
- Igloo Ice Cube Roller Cooler (60-Quart, Ocean Blue)
- Foam Cooler, 48 Quart
- Qiterr Portable Aluminum Folding Camping Table with Attachable Mesh Bag for Storage Underneath
- Lifetime 5′ Essential Fold-in-Half Table, Pearl
- Essentials Gray Collapsible Storage Containers with Handles, 11 in.
- Great Value 75 sq. ft. Aluminum Foil
- Empress Uncoated Paper Plate, 9 Inches, White, Pack of 100
- Great Value Sustainable Paper Towel, 2 Rolls
- Gray/Silver Plastic Utensils, 48-ct. Packs
- Hefty Red Plastic Party Cups – 18 oz., 50 Count
Food Recommendations
You’re going to expend serious energy at any festival, so bring some healthy foods alongside all the snacks. Don’t go all-in on refrigerated stuff, find a balance with pantry items. Focus on foods that are filling with low prep time. I generally only buy one meal from vendors per festival to save money. Below are my go-to food options for camping.
- Apples (naturally clean your teeth)
- Bananas (potassium for leg cramps)
- Sandwiches (bread, lunch meat, condiments – or pre-made sandwiches)
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Grilled cheese (small tub of butter, slices of cheese)
- Bagels and cream cheese
- Yogurt
- Eggs, breakfast sausage and hashbrowns
- Turkey/Beef sausage sticks
- Beef jerky
- Nutrigrain bars and granola bars
- Oatmeal bars (good source of daily fiber)
- Trail mix
- Mariani Vanilla Yogurt Raisins, 7 Oz.
- Chips and snack crackers (Cheez-Its)
- Candy (Jolly Ranchers, fruit snacks)
- A few rolls of Tums for heartburn relief
- Case of beer
- Box of wine
Stay Healthy
Coming down with the wook flu in the days following a fest sucks, but can be prevented with vitamins and supplements for your immune system (also be wary with slapping the bag and sharing weed). Soap dispensers at the bathrooms tend to run out, so carry a bottle of hand sanitizer with you. Pedialyte refills your electrolyte supply, and the powder packets are more cost-efficient than the actual bottles. B12 helps in converting food into energy, D3 combats fatigue and muscle weakness, and Turmeric relieves joint pain, stiffness, inflammation and strengthens the immune system. Vitamin C is one of the most powerful immune system boosters, so take it before, during and after the festival.
Alternatively, TranzLabs’ Tranzfuse powder packets include all the supplements and vitamins you need to get through a day of festing in healthy shape with energy to spare. Drinking a bottle of water mixed with a Tranzfuse packet can prevent a hangover/significantly reduce or cure it quickly, and keep your internal motor running at high performance even in blistering heat. A box of 20 packets costs $40, but such an elegant and effective solution to buying whole bottles of the various kinds of vitamins and transporting them all the way to the festival is certainly worth that price.
If you’ll be doing any drugs, you should definitely take these next four supplements as well. Niacin supports your nervous system and Lion’s Mane mushroom supplements have neuro-regenerative properties for your brain – both will assist for a smoother, more mentally beneficial trip on psychedelics. A magnesium supplement before MDMA will greatly reduce the chattering teeth effect, and 5-HTP will help restore depleted serotonin levels from rolling. It’s best to take 5-HTP daily in the preceding and following days, but not within 24 hours before or after the roll.
- TranzLabs – Tranzfuse – All-in-One All Natural Dietary Supplement and Vitamins – Tropical Bliss 20 Packets
- Assured 2-oz. Travel-Sized Hand Sanitizers, 2-Count Packs
- Pedialyte Electrolyte Powder, Variety Pack, Powder Sticks, 0.3 oz. (Pack of 8)
- Nature’s Bounty Niacin Pills and Supplement, Supports Nervous System and Energy Production, 250mg, 90 Capsules
- Nature’s Bounty Vitamin B12 Supplement, Supports Metabolism and Nervous System Health, 2500mcg, 75 Tablets
- Nature’s Way Vitamin C 1000 mg with Bioflavonoids, 1000 mg Vitamin C per Serving, 100 Vegetarian Capsules
- Amazon Brand – Solimo Vitamin D3 125 mcg (5000 IU), 150 Softgels
- Natures Nutrition Turmeric Curcumin Supplement Pills 1950 mg with Bioperine Black Pepper for Best Absorption, Anti-Inflammatory Joint Relief – 60 Capsules
- Nature’s Bounty Calcium Carbonate Pills with Magnesium and Zinc Mineral Supplement, Supports Bone Strength and Health, 1000mg, 100 Caplets
- Puritan’s Pride 5-HTP 100 mg (Griffonia Simplicifolia) – 120 Capsules
- Organic Lions Mane Mushroom Capsules 1800mg – Non-GMO Nootropic Brain Supplement & Immune System Booster from Mushroom Extract Powder – 90 Caps
Drug Test Kits
Test kits save lives! We don’t advocate drug use, but if you or any of your group intend to consume substances while at a festival, someone in your crew should have the materials on hand to test that they’re actually the drugs you think they are. If a person comes up to your campsite trying to sell substances, being able to test before potentially buying can verify the product, and usually scares off those with bunk stuff outright. The Marquis reagent is the main test for MDMA and ecstasy, Mecke detects opiates, and Mandelin identifies ketamine – though each test can reveal a variety of other substances as well, including bath salts. The Liebermann reagent can expose harmful things often cut into cocaine, namely amphetamines and the veterinary deworming agent levamisole.
Reagent bottles should be stored in a refrigerator to extend shelf life. Using a white ceramic plate or porcelain testing tray for the reagent tests makes it easier to accurately interpret the colored results. Tests come with accompanying cards clarifying what the most common color reactions signify, though this chart provides a far more extensive list. And with the especially scary, massive increase the past few years in accidental Fentanyl overdoses that have occurred from ingesting other drugs, it’s extra important to test powders in particular for the extremely dangerous opioid. Detailed instructions on using drug test kits can be found here.
- TestKitPlus Essential Drug Testing Kit (Bundle of Marquis, Mecke and Mandelin Reagent Tests)
- DanceSafe Liebermann Reagent Test
- DanceSafe Fentanyl Test Strips (Pack of 10)
- Porcelain Testing Tray (6 Wells)
Pain Relief and Massage Tools
Dancing for hours a day inevitably results in a lot of sore muscles, so keep Ibuprofen on hand to deal with the pain as it creeps up on you. Numb the trouble spots in your neck, shoulders and back with Doan’s lidocaine cream. A body roller allows you to roll the knots out, while the smaller massage tools are more portable options to effectively knead recurring trigger points without tiring your hands. The Index Knobber will conveniently fit into even a fanny pack so you can attack muscle pain whenever it strikes.
The Body Back Buddy tool can work deep-tissue massaging miracles, and its design allows you to reach any tough spot on your own body and apply powerful pressure – providing as much relief from soreness as stretching does to loosen your body up and prevent it. Having one of these makes a drastic difference when everything aches after a long day partying, and your group will appreciate the crucial benefits of using it as well. You could even decorate it into a functional totem, doling out pain relief to random ravers like a magic healer.
- Equate Pain Relief Ibuprofen Coated Caplets, 200 mg, 100 Count, 2 Pack
- Doan’s Pain Relieving Cream, 2.75 oz.
- Body Back Buddy Original Trigger Point Therapy Self Massage Tool – S-Shaped Shoulder, Back & Neck Acupressure Massager, Myofascial Release Tool
- The Original Body Roller – High Density Foam Roller for Deep Tissue Massage – Self Myofascial Release of Painful Trigger Point Muscle Adhesions – 12″ Black
- Pressure Positive Co. The Jacknobber II (Red)
- Pressure Positive Co. The Index Knobber II (Blue)
- HealthAndYoga Trigger Point Pressure, Acupressure, Deep Tissue Massage Tool (Blue)
- Acuforce W51087 Massage Star with 3 Applications
Allergy Relief
Summer weather draws out allergens that can make those susceptible miserable with congestion and runny nose. Taking non-drowsy loratadine and fexofenadine tablets along with your vitamins once a day, as well as an antihistamine and a decongestant sporadically if you feel allergies coming on, should keep symptoms at bay. If you start to lose your voice from excited shouting, honey and menthol-infused cough drops will soothe your throat and also assist with sinus drainage. Bring a pack of Kleenex in your bag to blow your nose when needed, and put some Vicks VapoRub under it before going to bed and after waking up for a relaxing start and end to each day. Carry a Vicks and/or BoomBoom inhaler tube in your pocket to give yourself and others a refreshing breath of air and sense of calm at anytime.
- Equate Allergy Relief Diphenhydramine HCI Tablets, 25 mg, 100 Count
- Equate Non-Drowsy Allergy Relief Loratadine Tablets, 10 mg, 45 Count
- Equate Non-Drowsy Allergy Relief Fexofenadine Tablets, 180 mg, 30 Count
- Assured Nasal Decongestant Phenylephrine HCI Tablets, 10 mg, 24 Count
- Assured Honey-Lemon Cough Drops, 35-Count Bag
- Kleenex Everyday Facial Tissue (8 pack)
- Vicks VapoRub Lavender Scented Chest Rub Ointment, 1.76 oz
- Vicks Inhaler for Nasal Congestion Cold Allergy Blocked Nose Fast Relief (2 pack)
- BoomBoom Aromatherapy Nasal Inhaler (Variety 3 Pack) | Boosts Focus + Enhances Breathing | Provides Fresh Cooling Sensation | Made With Essential Oils + Menthol
Female Hygiene
Avoid period horror stories with the Diva Cup, absorb more in smaller size with o.b. tampons and wear more comfortable panty liners with Rael.
- DivaCup Model 1 Menstrual Cup
- o.b. Applicator Free Digital Tampons, Super Plus – 40 Count, saSAXDS
- Rael Certified Organic Cotton Panty Liners – Unscented Natural (Regular, 2 Pack)
Miscellaneous Items
For the long drives to festivals, your butt and back will appreciate a seat cushion. Muck is bound to get on your clothes at some point, so carry some Shout Wipes and/or a Tide To Go pen to treat those stains immediately. Light-up foam sticks are a weightless and fun thing to wave around, and can serve as an identifier in a crowd if you don’t have a totem. Get a pack of tennis balls for beer pong and a smell-proof ashtray pocket so you aren’t tossing cigarette butts on the ground. Remember to clear space on your memory card before the festival, or buy a spare one. For ultimate undergarment comfort, there’s nothing better than MeUndies. And don’t forget your ticket, swimsuit, condoms and some plastic bags, as well as grabbing some ice and filling up the car’s gas tank before you get in the entrance line.
- Ziraki Seat Cushion Orthopedic Pillow, Memory Foam Gel-Enhanced – Back Pain Relief for Car Driver
- Shout Wipes – Portable Stain Treater Towelettes – (2-Pack, 24 Wipes Count)
- Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover Liquid Pen, 3 Count
- LifBetter 20PCS/Pack 16″ LED Foam Glow Sticks, 3 Modes Flashing Multicolor Light Up Batons Party Supplies, Festivals, Raves
- JOOLA 3-Star Table Tennis Training Balls (12 Count)
- DearAnswer Portable Ashtray and Cigarette Butt Holder Mini PVC Pocket
- Amplim 64GB Micro SD SDXC V30 A1 Memory Card Plus Adapter Pack (Class 10 U3 UHS-I) Ultra High Speed 667X 100MB/s 4K Recording – Cell Phone, Drone, Camera
- Swimsuit
- MeUndies – The World’s Most Comfortable Underwear
- Condoms
- Plastic grocery bags for dirty clothes and trash in tent
- Your FESTIVAL TICKET/WRISTBAND
- Top off the fuel tank and ice in coolers before arriving at the festival
*Fresh Music Freaks strives to be transparent. We are an Amazon affiliate and we make a small percentage in revenue (1-10%) once an item ordered has shipped. None of these companies have paid to be included in this list. All the featured products were selected because we believe in their functionality, usefulness and affordability for festivalgoers. In some cases Fresh Music Freaks staff will review products and if the review is positive, the product(s) may be featured in this list.*
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